A-K Valley athletes of the week: Leechburg’s Katarina Yurjevich, Springdale’s Mike Mitchell

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 | 8:48 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Mike Mitchell

School: Springdale

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Report card: Mitchell scored the game’s only goal in the Dynamos’ 1-0 win over Section 3-A rival Carlynton and added another in Springdale’s 3-0 section win against Vincentian. A three-year starter at center midfield, Mitchell tallied 10 goals last season and notched three assists during the Dynamos’ 2017 postseason run.

How long have you been playing soccer?

I’ve been playing since I was 3.

How important was it for this team to get off to a great start this year?

It was pretty important. Last year, we came off a big season and we lost a bunch of guys. We still have the same expectations.

How much does last season’s WPIAL Class A title-game loss to North Catholic drive this team?

We were hurt. That loss kind of just fueled us to get back to Highmark Stadium this year and get what we couldn’t get last year.

What do the Dynamos need to do to get back to the WPIAL title game?

We all just need to keep working in practice. Keep our focus in these games and remember that every game counts. We got to work to get to the top of section because it will really help the seeding.

Does this team feel the same as last year?

Yeah. Last year, like this year, we really were getting excited to get on the field. We never had intentions to go as far as we went. We’re starting to get that feeling back.

Does this team have a motto for this season?

Yeah, it’s “Bring One Home.” That’s our motto.

Where does this team need to improve the most as the season moves on?

We just need to have a more creative attack when we’re moving. We had three clean sheets (shutouts) this year, so our defense is pretty set.

What section matches are you looking forward to?

We’re always excited for our rivalry game against Riverview, especially after last year and that hard loss. Every single section game is important for us.

What three words best describe you?

Athletic. Humorous. Optimistic.

What was the best movie you saw over the summer?

Probably “Black Panther.”

What’s your most memorable moment from this past summer?

Getting to take a trip out to regionals (Spotsylania, Va.) with my cup team. We got second in group play.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Chemistry.

What are you plans for after high school?

I plan on playing soccer, and I plan on going into pre-med.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I like to fish.

Katarina Yurjevich

School: Leechburg

Class: Senior

Sport: Apollo-Ridge girls soccer (co-op)

Report card: Yurjevich scored the game-tying goal in Apollo-Ridge’s 2-1 overtime win over Section 1-AA rival Freeport last Saturday. She is one of seven Leechburg students to play for the Apollo-Ridge (2-0, 1-0) girls soccer team. A striker, Yurjevich is tops on the team in goals (3) and assists (2). She is also a member of the Leechburg track and field team and cheerleading squad and plans to play basketball this winter for Leechburg.

How long have you been playing soccer?

I’ve been playing soccer for 13 years.

How excited were you to find out that the co-op was approved?

I don’t even know how to put it into words. I was excited and relieved to finally play soccer and blessed to play on such an amazing team.

What took so long?

I’m not sure. The thought was there and it was just up in the air. There wasn’t much of a push until I came up my freshman year.

How does the co-op with Apollo-Ridge change things for girls soccer players at Leechburg?

There’s a lot of girls taking interest, and it’s an exciting thing. It’s a different experience.

Did Saturday’s big win over section rival Freeport validate this team’s potential?

I think the team always works to that potential. We got more confidence to do it and we are here to play: “We are A-R.”

How did your game-tying goal against Freeport swing the game’s momentum?

The whole entire time we knew we could do it. As soon as the shot was made, everything turned on and everyone got a boost of confidence that we could do this.

What was it like cheerleading against Apollo-Ridge in Leechburg’s 28-13 Week Zero upset win in football?

It was different because I was used to cheering for Apollo-Ridge. It was such a weird thing that I was cheering from the other side of the field.

Is the ultimate goal for Leechburg to have its own girls soccer team?

The ultimate goal is to grow everything. Maybe one day Leechburg and Apollo-Ridge will become one of those rivals that everyone is excited for.

Are you wearing any Apollo-Ridge soccer gear around Leechburg High School, and how’s that going for you?

I wore a shirt (Monday). No one really reacts because they know how it is. We’ve been getting a lot of support. If I had more Apollo-Ridge apparel, I’d wear it.

Where does this team need to improve the most as the season moves on?

It’s hard to say. We’re constantly moving different people to different positions, and it’s very early in the season.

What three words best describe you?

Intelligent. Energetic. Determined.

What was the best movie you saw over the summer?

“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”

What’s your most memorable moment from this past summer?

I went with my church to a convention in Indianapolis. I just enjoyed it. There was a band and the whole event was amazing.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

I go to a tech school part-time, and I really enjoy the trades. I go there for construction trade technology. I love it because I get to work with my hands. It’s different way of learning.

What are you plans for after high school?

I would like to go to community college, transfer to a four-year college, and from there, I would like to go to a law school.

What is something interesting about you that people don’t know?

I love to read, I love to write, and I love to paint and draw.

— William Whalen

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Leechburg, Springdale